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Prime Minister David Cameron has received another blow in his battle with Europe over immigration rules, this time from the man he attempted - in vain - to deny gaining power in the European Commission.

Incoming EC president Jean-Claude Juncker labelled Cameron's bid to change the rules on freedom of movement in Europe as "irresponsible", echoing the stance of his predecessor José Manuel Barroso.

Cameron will tomorrow meet with the leaders of the other 27 nations in the European Union but is expected to face near complete opposition to his proposals to change one of the union's founding principles.

The European Commission's newly-elected head Jean-Claude Juncker found himself heckled by Eurosceptics in the European Parliament. Mr Juncker told MEPs (in French): "The single currency protects Europe." He was subsequently heckled by some who deemed it "rubbish".

He accused Ukip leader Nigel Farage, a staunch opponent of the appointment, of "secretly" voting for the former leader of Luxembourg.

Mr Juncker addressed him (in French): "I'm led to believe that your Parliament will vote by a secret ballot. And I understand that, because Mr Farage wouldn't want his voters to discover he voted for me".

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German Chancellor Angela Merkel pictured with the new European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker Credit: Maurizio Gambarini/DPA/Press Association Images

The appointment of Jean-Claude Juncker as European Commission president is a "very good sign" for Europe's ability to act, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, after a meeting with leaders of south east European countries in Croatia.

Ms Merkel added: "I would like to congratulate Jean-Claude Juncker on his election as EU president with a clear result in the first round of voting [...] It will inspire us to resume the work with the European commission."

Jean-Claude Juncker denied being a federalist after being elected as European Commission President.

Mr Juncker told ITV News Political Correspondent Carl Dinnen that he did not want a "United States of Europe". He added: "I will negotiate with David Cameron and others, and will make a fair deal with him".